Careers & University Information

We have close links with top universities, and a dedicated Head of Sixth Form is able to respond quickly to the constantly shifting higher education landscape. Each Sixth Form student is assigned a Tutor, usually a specialist in a pupil's field of interest, who provides ongoing support and guidance throughout Sixth Form.

BSKL enjoys a close and fruitful relationship with Universities and Higher Education providers. From the Year 10, students are encouraged to consider future choices in higher education, and career opportunities post Sixth Form, though it is crucial they keep their options open at this stage. BSKL organises Higher Education information sessions for students and parents aimed at guiding them through the university application process. The vast majority of our students aspire to study at Russell Group universities in the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge, while the USA is also a popular university destination.

Our Careers Office is dedicated to providing students with the appropriate information they need to apply, as well as assisting with mock interviews and writing the personal statement. Pupils attend university and careers fairs locally, and the school hosts Admissions Officers from universities in the UK, USA, Malaysia and Australia to visit the school. Post-GCSE our Year 11 pupils will attend a one week Higher Education Conference in the UK or Malaysia: this is an opportunity for pupils to visit a range of top universities, meet admissions tutors, and to begin to refine their degree aspirations ahead of A Level courses.

All students will join the Independent Schools Careers Organisation (ISCO) Futurewise programme to allow personalised careers information and feedback. The school is a member of ISCO and SI-UK (Study in the UK) and will use both of these services to support your child with Careers and University advice and guidance. BSKL also has access to expert SAT and ACT advisors.        

Please find below a list of support available to all students and parents in Years 10 to 13:       

University Visits: we will continue to receive representatives from Universities around the globe in school. Each year we will host presentations from UK universities, universities from North America, as well as those in Hong Kong and Australia. Alongside this we will offer one international trip per student. This can be tailored to each student but will likely include taster courses and/or university visits. There is flexibility within this programme and pupils will take responsibility for identifying what experience will add most value to the sixth form experience and university applications.
                                    
Summer Courses: as the competition for places at top universities around the world increases, summer programmes (many held on university campuses) are becoming increasingly popular in providing students with invaluable experiences to help support their university applications. Each year we will arrange for speakers to come into to school to present information regarding these courses. A comprehensive list of providers will be provided to all parents.
                    
SATs/ACT: for those considering applications to US universities, in-depth support will be given to pupils in preparing for SAT and ACT examinations.
                    
Work Experience: this is also becoming an increasingly important way of adding value to university applications. As part of our sixth form provision, all Year 12 students are assisted in organising a meaningful and relevant work placement lasting at least one week.
                    
University Applications: all students will receive one-to-one support in completing their university applications and writing their personal statements. We believe this personalised service gives all of our students the best possible chance of obtaining offers at top universities around the world. 
                    
One-to-One Discussions: parents and students are always welcome to contact the Head of Sixth Form to arrange a one-to-one appointment to discuss any individual concerns or questions regarding the IGCSE or A Level Programmes. 

Experts in Residence: this unique arrangement will provide access to leaders across many subject fields including economists, scientists, mathematicians, linguists, engineers and artists. Building long lasting links with leaders in their fields will enable students to be stretched and challenged on content beyond the curriculum. It will expose students to opportunities and challenge they would not usually be able to access and therefore allow them to view careers and subjects with a different perspective - something that may well give them an advantage in any university application.                
        

An overview of University application progression throughout the Sixth Form can be seen below.

Year 11

• Futurewise career profiling and 1:1 career meetings
• University presentations
• Sixth Form Information Evening
• Higher Education (HE) week after IGCSE exams.

Year 12

• Register and complete IELTS and SAT/ACT
• Attend university presentations and careers fair
• Attend 1:1 career meetings
• Preparation for medical/dental/veterinary courses
• Preparation for subject admissions tests
• Interview practice
• Start personal statements/essays for university applications
• Undertake a work placement (after any AS examinations)

Year 13

• Apply to university
• Sit admissions tests (BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT etc)
• Attend interviews
• Respond to offers
• Apply for scholarships
• Prepare and plan accommodation and visas.